I Never Saw Myself Getting Older, but it’s here!

A Letter to My Daughter,

My dear daughter, now a full grown woman, the day you really see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “ Mom, you said the same thing before.” Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story, for you it was GOOD NIGHT MOON, night after night… until you would fall asleep.

When in the future, if I don’t want to take a shower, don’t be mad and embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you, making it seem like a game and trying to get you to take a bath… when you were a little girl?

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me in that annoyed way. Please remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do so many things like eating properly, getting dressed, combing your hair, and dealing with life’s issues, every day.

Maybe, today is the day you understand that I’m getting old, (well, old-er, anyway), and no one hates it more than me. I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient, or annoyed. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me… is to be with you. I would willingly talk about… well, nothing… just so I can spend time with you.

And when my tired, arthritic legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first began to walk. Lend me your arm in the future, if I come to need that for support. That day will undoubtedly be here one day too. I dread it.

When these days come, don’t feel sad for me or mad at me … just be with me, and understand me, while I get older with love.

I cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we share. Each and every moment with you is a blessing.

So, with a huge smile and the extraordinary love I’ve always had for you, I just want to tell you again,
I love you so much… my wonderful, wonderful daughter.  Live your life well.

Mom